USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) 1st Lt., Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth McKenzie, a Brainerd, Kentucky native and jiu-jitsu enthusiast, is using her unique skillset to help improve health and wellness aboard the U.S 7th Fleet Flagship.
McKenzie said she wanted to share her passion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a self-defense system, martial art and combat sport that focuses mainly on ground fighting, with her shipmates aboard Blue Ridge.
McKenzie instructs jiu-jitsu classes throughout the week for beginners and advanced students to develop and increase their skills, which she believes implements physical and mental benefits through the lifestyle it promotes. She says jiu-jitsu can serve as inspiration for Sailors who are trying to become healthier.
“It gives Sailors the drive to want to be better on the mat, so they want to lead a healthier life off the mat,” said Mckenzie. “It could be motivation to stop smoking so they can breathe better, eat healthier so they have more energy, or to cross-train to be stronger and faster on the mat.”
Mckenzie also believes there are mental benefits to learning jiu-jitsu because it engages you mentally as well as physically. McKenzie says the sport has helped her overcome her own mental struggles.
“Beyond stress relief, it’s given me mental clarity,” said McKenzie. “It’s helped me become less violent and more understanding and patient with others.”
Mckenzie says the class also serves as a morale booster for her fellow shipmates and has noticed everyone who attends the class always walks away from the mat feeling positive and more prepared to take on new challenges.
“Jiu-Jitsu has taught me to be humble,” said Logistics System Technician 1st Class Guy Griffin, a Jiu-Jitsu student. “There is always someone that knows more than me. I love that we are doing the basics and everyone is genuinely enthusiastic about learning.”
Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and as 7th Fleet command ship, is responsible for patrolling and fostering relationships within the Indo- Pacific region.
